Seal a leaking basement wall at a Straight Street rowhouse in Paterson (2026-07-20)

A rowhouse on Straight Street in Paterson has a basement seepage point that fills with storm flow after heavy rain along the Passaic River corridor. The homeowner needs the crack sealed before the next storm. Standard: FEMA flood-mitigation best-practices standard Proof: Photo of the sealed point plus a GPS tag and follow-up dry-check note. Method (FEMA flood-mitigation best-practices standard): 1. Identify the specific seepage point on the basement wall or floor. 2. Clean and dry the surface around the seepage point. 3. Apply hydraulic cement or a waterproof sealant to the crack or joint. 4. Check the exterior grade near that point and note any regrading needed. 5. Photograph the sealed point and log it for a follow-up dry check. Done when: Photo of the sealed point plus a GPS tag and follow-up dry-check note.

Where

88 Straight St, Paterson, NJ 07501

Pay

$320 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Photo of the sealed point plus a GPS tag and follow-up dry-check note.

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-08-19

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 60–120 minutes. Method of record: Interior basement/foundation crack sealing and hydraulic-cement patching to stop active water intrusion, per EPA moisture-control best practice

Bring

• wire brush + shop vac (surface prep)
• hydraulic cement + masonry crack sealant
• trowel + mixing bucket + water
• moisture meter + camera

Steps

1. 1. ASSESS: photograph and map each crack/damp area with a moisture-meter reading; identify whether water is actively entering (active leak) or the area is just damp/stained.
2. 2. Clear loose material, dirt and any surface efflorescence from the crack with a wire brush and shop vac; dampen per the product's instructions.
3. 3. Pack an active leak with hydraulic cement (which sets against running water) or seal a dry crack with masonry sealant, per the product's method.
4. 4. Photograph the finished seal and record the moisture-meter reading at the same spot for comparison; advise the occupant to monitor after the next rain.

If it does not match the plan

• Visible active fungal growth, a musty odor, or a large area of sustained dampness beyond the crack itself -> STOP sealing and flag for a licensed moisture assessment; document only, never disturb any suspect growth.
• Water actively flowing (not just seeping) or a foundation crack wider than about 1/4 inch with visible movement -> route to a structural/waterproofing contractor before sealing.

What counts as done

• Crack/entry point fully packed or sealed with no gaps
• Before/after photos + moisture-meter readings at the same location
• Occupant informed of the follow-up rain-check to confirm the seal held

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.